Powerful gales hitting velocities of up to 155km/h (96mph) have resulted in nearly 90,000 households lacking electricity and led officials to halt more than 100 flights, according to domestic outlets.
The winds are influencing the whole South Island and lower areas of the northern region, according to the national weather agency.
New Zealand authorities have announced infrequent red wind warnings - the highest alert level - in key areas including Wellington and Canterbury.
Residents have been encouraged to avoid going outside, avoid travel, and get ready for additional electricity and network failures.
Extensive Impact and Crisis Measures
The power cut is primarily influencing households mainly in the southern region, although agencies state that energy was being restored progressively.
Local media have reported that in some places roofs have been ripped off houses, while power lines and trees have been brought down by the winds.
Across Wellington, a person was lost his life after being impacted by a wooden fragment at a well-known hiking path on Tuesday.
Also in the capital, a individual was blown onto moving cars on a street by a powerful blast, in a event that was filmed in a popular vehicle recording.
Air travel in and out of the city have been suspended because of the winds, and some roads and libraries are also closed.
At the same time local leaders have announced a crisis declaration, to facilitate recovery activities.
Labor Protests Amid Severe Weather
The wild winds on this day occur while tens of thousands of school staff, physicians and civil servants are engaged in what has been termed a "major walkout", demanding better pay and working conditions.
However the extreme weather has pressured them to modify certain arrangements, with several external protests relocated inside or cancelled.
Similar gusts are affecting Australia, bringing a high-temperature event to the nation's interior regions.
Officials have declared flame prohibitions for concern about bushfires.
